Tuesday, January 25

Here's FBRN's newest and most appetizing little morsel, Brie en Croute! She's been passed around for a little while between friends and family--through no fault of her own--and she will soon be offered up for the delectation of some very lucky adopter!

Cobby, petite and with a very appealing personality, Mlle. Brie is making friends among her foster family and the vet's office. Her foster mom spent 3 hours at the vet's with her yesterday and learned that she has two icky kinds of bacteria blooming all through her poor ears.

We expect the infection will clear up toute de suite with antibiotics, drops and a home-cooked hypoallergenic diet: no grains, no chicken, no beef or dairy. Served with an enormous side dish of ell oh vee ee, love!

We'll be spending time working on her potty-training and preparing her forla vie en rosewith a family she'll stay with forever.

Brie will be on next week's website update, but we wanted to introduce you to her fabulous wee entirety. Enjoy yourselves, and pass the photos around to anyone with an appetite for cuteness!

Tuesday, January 18

Nadine's foster mom reports that Nadine's new family was out and about with her over the weekend. They dropped by the shop where Nadine's foster mom works, and she got a fresh photo of the happy family! We are continually exclaiming about the good looks of our adopters, and these two are no exception. Who is the cutest of the three? Impossible to say.

Sunday, January 16

Trainer Renee Premeza hosts a radio show on WNJC 1360 AM every Thursday from 10:00 to 10:30 AM Eastern standard time. On January 20th, she has invited FBRN volunteer Velma Weitz for an interview to speak on behalf of FBRN to promote awareness and the work that FBRN does for our dogs in need.

Saturday, January 15

OK, so her name is Alena, not Corinna, but the sentiment is the same. And when Alena moved across the country to start her long-term rehab and her foster mom sent us this record of where she's been and how far she's come, we couldn't resist making the connection to that great old song.

Here's what Alena's foster mom put together so Alena's new vet could get an idea of what she's been through:

"Alena has a vet appointment tomorrow to check on her abscess (that was drained on Jan 1st) and get her Seattle Wellness Plan in the works. As I prepared for the visit, I put together a timeline of events to show the vet (I figure it must be confusing to have a dog walk in with such a drawn out history across several states in such a short time) and a before and after photo to show the vet. After putting it together, I was shocked to see all she has been thru in just three months. Check the difference!

Nov 5th, 2010 – surrendered to FBRN by owner/breeder in Wisconsin. Owner claims that Alena was vaccinated at age 2, and this caused a severe reaction. No treatment sought. Alena was unaltered.

Alena gets a scrubby dub dub in her foster mom's tub! Spa days agree with her!

Nov 9th – Alena had surgery to remove a mammary mass, and a second lump on her shoulder, as well as to spay (uterine infection). Given Metacam, Clavamox and Ketoconazole (for skin infection). Pathology results for the tumor on her shoulder – benign, for the mammary tumor – adenocarcinoma of the ductal cyst. Tumor removed with clean margins. Recovery good.

"I would gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today!"

Nov 29th – Alena is having bloody diarrhea. Vet thinks it’s a reaction to the Ketonazole for her fungal infection. Gives her Flagyl and stops the Ketonazole. Issue resolves.

Dec 29th - Alena is transported to Chicago with an FBRN volunteer, aiming to continue to Seattle. Flight is full, Alena spends the week in Chicago with B.

Jan 1st – B. notices an abscess on Alena’s hip. She is taken to the emergency vet – abscess drained – Baytril given, but Alena’s was very difficult to get pills down, so she was given an injection of Convenia.

Jan 8th – Alena arrives in Seattle from Chicago to stay with R. for long term foster care. Alena was bathed on Jan 10th and her ears cleaned. Applied calendula cream to her skin and ointment to her eyes. I have applied ointment daily."

This old girl has been through the mill, for sure, but it's clear that nothing gets her down. Look at those bright, blind eyes! Her ears have perked up, her expression is curious and alive, her eyes are clear, and she has a little smile for you.

Our volunteers perform miracles everyday, and if this doesn't persuade you that love and care and good food and medicine and your good thoughts and sponsorship donations really make a difference in the lives of these dogs, nothing will.

Thank you for giving Alena back her life and putting her on the road to health and joy again. She's got a long way to go, but we'll see her home together, promises

Thursday, January 13

There's a new boy in Florida this week, and he's busily putting on the Ritz for all his new friends. He had a big first week, according to his foster mom, who says he's free of worms and heartworm. Sure, he bears a passing resemblance to Jeebs from Men in Black, but we think that just makes him all the more lovable.

"Well, Dillinger is Officially an FBRN dog! He was a gentleman at Pets-mart charming all the ladies, and he got a new bed, new leash, and some new toys. He is in LOVE with my french girl through the baby gate and is behaving himself so far.

He is reported to be potty trained and has been a good boy, going potty in the yard.

He has pretty teeth that appear clean and tartar free so he hopefully is closer to 3-4yrs. We are going to the vet tomorrow, and i will get the chip # to be registered, start his bloodwork, and get him his Rabies shot, then he'll get neutered this week!

Hopefully, this boy will go straight to the available page! He has nice skin and is all black. The only thing is his eyes seem to be crossed.. both eyes look out... My Doctor is very good with eyes and that will be checked out tomorrow, too!

Well, it's been a busy day in south Florida... everyone have a great night!"

We are exhausted just thinking about all that activity! It's fortunate that Dillinger is a youngster of only 3 years, and he can manage that level of outandaboutation. We, however, feel the draw of our comfy royal bed, and we will be shortly retiring for an early morning nap, confides